Liverpool and Southampton face-off in their Premier League opener…
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Liverpool and Southampton have announced their teams ahead of their Premier League opener at Anfield, which kicks-off at 1.30pm today.
Confirmed #LFC team v @southamptonfc: Mignolet, Manquillo, Johnson, Skrtel, Lovren, Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Coutinho, Sterling, Sturridge
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 17, 2014
There are very few surprises in Liverpool’s team – with just two of their eight new signings featuring on opening day. Javier Manquillo starts at right back, with Glen Johnson moving over to the left, while Dejan Lovren partners Martin Skrtel in central defence against his former club. Lucas gets the nod ahead of Emre Can in the third central midfield role alongside captain Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson, while Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling play either side of Daniel Sturridge up front.
Confirmed #LFC subs v @southamptonfc: Jones, Toure, Sakho, Allen, Ibe, Can, Lambert — Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 17, 2014
There is no place on the bench for Daniel Agger as he edges close to his Liverpool exit, while new signings Can and Rickie Lambert do make the list of substitutes. Adam Lallana misses out against his former club through injury, as does ex-Benfica winger Lazar Markovic. Alberto Moreno was not signed in time to be eligible for the game.
#SaintsFC team vs @LFC: Forster, Clyne, Fonte (c), Yoshida, Bertrand, Wanyama, Schneiderlin, S. Davis, Ward-Prowse, Tadi?, Pellè.
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 17, 2014
Southampton hand debuts to goalkeeper Fraser Forster, full-back Ryan Bertrand, midfielder Dusan Tadic and striker Graziano Pelle. Maya Yoshida partners Jose Fonte in central defence following the departure of Lovren for Liverpool, while Fonte also takes over the club’s captains armband from Lallana. Morgan Schneiderlin starts despite the continued transfer interest from Tottenham.
#SaintsFC substitutes vs @LFC: K. Davis (GK), Long, Taïder, Cork, Hooiveld, Isgrove, Stephens.
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 17, 2014
New signing Shane Long is the name to watch out for on the Southampton bench, following his £12m move from Hull City.
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